4
ETHAN
“Ifigure we can get back out on tour after Lucy’s premiere. It’ll add hype to the tour,” Jace says.
Cage nods. “That’s a good idea. Plenty of time to finish up the new album and distribution.”
I’m amped up to get on the road again. It’s not that I don’t like the home life we have going on, it’s just… it’s chaotic. It takes my mind off the bullshit that constantly runs through my head.
Linc and I need to talk to everyone. I’m pretty sure most everyone knows, but we need to be sure and we need to know how they feel about our coming out. I wish Linc had skipped the gym and made it to this meeting in the big gold building that houses Nichols Records.
Kennedy knows. He’s always known. I told him, and we talked about it. He never pushed for more information, and I only gave him what I was comfortable with. I can’t talk about that day with anyone but Linc, Kennedy, and Joan. I just can’t. It’s not that I’m ashamed, because I’m not. Therapy’s taught me it wasn’t my fault. I believe it to be true. I just don’t want everyone to know everything. I don’t want the sympathy or pitying looks some of them gave Tera. I don’t want the attention. I couldn’t stand the attention.
Then there’s Lincoln. I don’t want them to look at him differently either. He’s solid. My rock. Hell, he’s everyone’s rock if I’m being honest. He carries the weight of the world on his shoulders and empties it when he steps into the ring—with each punch it dissipates. He carries it for those he loves, because he knows he's got broader shoulders, he’s stronger, and he has an outlet. We don't.
He thinks I don’t know he worries, but I do. I know everything about that man. I know he hates Brussels sprouts but swears broccoli is the best vegetable in the world. He hates wheat bread but eats it because it’s healthier for him. I know he can eat an entire chocolate cake in one sitting and not share a single bite. I know he hates the feel rayon against his skin which meant they had to make special shorts for him for the ring. He’s not demanding but has little patience for bullshit. He loves the color yellow but will never wear it because he thinks it’s too girlie. I know he trusts very few people and lets even fewer into his life, but those who are granted entry will be a part of him forever.
The door opens and in walks my guy. I almost stand but don’t. I meet his gaze and he smiles that smile. God, he’s so hot. Those straight white teeth set against his dark Hispanic skin, the green and grey eyes that see right to my soul, and that body—that body is to die for. Completely tatted up and all muscle.
Kennedy moves over a chair and pushes his vacated one out for Linc.
He sits down and smells clean and fresh. His hair wet. He came straight from the gym.
“What’d I miss?” he asks, “and why do I need to be here?”
Jesse leans forward. “We’re talking about touring again, and I wanted to know if it’s going to fuck with your schedule.”
“How far ahead are we talking?” Linc asks.
“After Lucy’s premiere,” Jesse replies.
“I was going to talk to you,” he says looking at me, “all about this, but now’s as good a time as any.”
“What’s up?” Xan asks.
“I was talking to Coach and we’re going to move up a level.”
“That’s fucking awesome, bro,” Xan exclaims. Everyone’s in agreement.
“What does this mean?” I ask.
“Not much, really. I’ll just be fighting guys who are more of a challenge. But that means I don’t know what my schedule will be like. I don’t know how that works yet. I was going to call Jabs—Jamie later.”
Jamie “Jabs” Royal is one of Linc’s best buds. He’s a fighter and he’s been crushing on Tera, Xander’s wife, for as long as he’s known her. He still hasn’t given up—even though she’s married. He’d never interfere, but he’ll wait. I always tell him it’s never gonna happen, but he shrugs and says, “You never know.”
“So, you’re bumping up to his level then?” I question.
He nods. “Yeah, if everything works out which I think it should. But you guys all know there are ways to work around shit schedules.”
“There are,” Cage agrees. “We have time, and we can make any adjustments and special arrangements we have to. I know the BFD tour would like you to be with them as much as possible.
I look at Linc, and he looks at me with the question of the hour in his eyes. I tilt my head slightly nodding my assent.
“There’s something else you all need to know,” Linc begins.
“Go on,” Cage encourages.
“Ethan and I are together. As in a couple,” he announces.
